Professional Documents
Culture Documents
guidelines
GUIDE TO GOOD
DAIRY FARMING PRACTICE
Cover photographs:
Left and center: IDF
Right: FAO/Alberto Conti
8
FAO ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND HEALTH
guidelines
GUIDE TO GOOD
DAIRY FARMING PRACTICE
Published by
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
and
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY FEDERATION
Rome, 2011
The first edition of this guide was originally published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations and the International Dairy Federation (IDF) in English as Guide to Good Dairy Farmining Practices, 2004.
It is available at
www.fao.org/DOCREP/006/Y5224E/Y5224E00.htm and ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/006/y5224e/y5224e00.pdf
Recommended citation
FAO and IDF. 2011. Guide to good dairy farming practice. Animal Production and Health Guidelines. No. 8.
Rome.
ISBN 978-92-5-106957-8
All rights reserved. FAO and or IDF encourage reproduction and dissemination
of material in this information product. Non-commercial uses will be
authorized free of charge, upon request. Reproduction for resale or other
commercial purposes, including educational purposes, may incur fees.
Applications for permission to reproduce or disseminate FAO copyright
materials, and all queries concerning rights and licences, should be addressed
by e-mail to
copyright@fao.org or to the Chief, Publishing Policy and Support Branch,
Office of Knowledge Exchange, Research and Extension, FAO,
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy.
iii
Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
v
vi
Introduction
1. Animal health
2. Milking hygiene
4. Animal welfare
5. Environment
6. Socio-economic management
Fact sheets
9
10
11
1. Animal health
11
2. Milking hygiene
17
21
4. Animal welfare
25
5. Environment
30
6. Socio-economic management
34
Foreword
Dairy farmers production systems worldwide need to be able to combine profitability with
the responsibility of protecting human health, animal health, animal welfare and the environment. Dairy farmers, as the primary producers in the supply chain, should also be given
the opportunity to add value to their product by adopting methods of production that satisfy
the demands of processors and customers.
This Guide gives individual dairy farmers proactive guidance on how these objectives can
be achieved on their farm.
The Guide to good dairy farming practice has been written in a practical format for
dairy farmers engaged in the production of milk from any dairy species. When adopted, it
will support the production and marketing of safe, quality-assured milk and dairy products.
The Guide focuses on the relationship between consumer safety and economic, social and
environmental management at the farm level.
The Guide contains many individual practices that contribute to good dairy farming
practice, covering the key aspects of animal health, milk hygiene, nutrition, welfare, the
environment and socio-economic management.
These practices have been drawn from best practice guidelines and existing assurance
schemes around the world, and so individual practices will vary in their applicability to various dairying regions. They are not intended to be legally binding and readers are encouraged
to select and implement those guidelines that are of relevance to their situation.
As such, this Guide aims to provide a genuine framework for dairy farm assurance
schemes to be developed globally, giving individual countries and dairy farmers the opportunity to develop schemes that are specific to their needs.
MISSION STATEMENT
To elaborate a practical, farm orientated, globally achievable Guide to good dairy farming practices for dairy farmers, covering key aspects of dairy farm management including:
animal health, milk hygiene, animal nutrition, animal welfare, the environment and socioeconomic management.
Helen Dornom
Chair
IDF/FAO Project Group of the
IDF Standing Committee on
Farm Management
Berhe G. Tekola
Director
Animal Production and Health Division
Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations
vii
Acknowledgements
This new Guide updates the first edition produced by the IDF/FAO Task Force on Good Dairy
Farming Practices in 2004.
The IDF/FAO Project Group of the IDF Standing Committee on Farm Management included the following experts: Helen Dornom (AU) - Chair, Rjean Bouchard (CA), Jude Capper
(US), J Eric Hillerton (NZ), David Homer (GB), Eirini Fragkiadaki (GR), Jamie Jonker (US),
Cheryl McCrindle (ZA), Marie Natacha (FR), Marcin Preidl (DE), M U Siddiqui (IN), Olaf Thieme
(FAO) and Yong-Suk Son (KR). The group was supported by other IDF experts who made an
active contribution to the work: Elizabeth Berry (GB), Olivier Cerf (FR), Robin Condron (AU),
Elisabeth Erlacher-Vindel (OIE), Ham Junsang (KR), Mohan Namjoshi (IN), Daniel Scholl (CA),
Joerg Seifert (IDF), Rafal Artur Stachura (PL) and Vincent Turner (ZA).
Special thanks must be given to Helen Dornom (AU) assisted by Robert Greenall (AU)
for compiling the information into a coherent document. Thanks also go to Pierre Doyle of
FIL-IDF Canada and Thierry Geslain of FIL-IDF France for ensuring the translation of the document from English to French and to Pedro Valentin-Gamazo of IDF Spain for taking charge of
the translation into Spanish. The FAO Animal Production and Health Division (AGA) arranged
translation into other official working languages of FAO and the publication of the Guide.
Introduction
Recommended International Code of Practice General Principles of Food Hygiene, CAC/RCP 1 1969. Available
at www.codexalimentarius.net
2 Code of Hygienic Practice for Milk and Milk Products, CAC/RCP 57 - 2004. Available at www.codexalimentarius.net
Introduction
Codex Alimentarius: Code of Hygienic Practice for Milk and Milk Products CAC/RCP
57 - 20043.
Codex Alimentarius: Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding CAC/RCP 54-20043.
FAO: Food Quality and Safety Systems A training manual on food hygiene and the
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system (1998)4.
OIE: Terrestrial Animal Health Code5.
SAI Platform: Principles and Practices for Sustainable Dairy farming (2009)6.
Main Objective
Safe, quality milk is produced from healthy animals using management practices that are
sustainable from an animal welfare, social, economic and environmental perspective
Good practices
Animal
Health
Milking
Hygiene
Nutrition
(Feed &
Water)
Animal
Welfare
Defining characteristics
Available
Available
5 Available
6 Available
4
at www.codexalimentarius.net
from www.fao.org
from www.oie.int
from www.saiplatform.org
Environment
Socioeconomic
management
1. ANIMAL HEALTH
Animals that produce milk need to be healthy and an effective health care programme
should be in place.
Good dairy
farming practice
1.4.1 Only use chemicals approved for supply and use under
relevant legislation
1.4.2 Use chemicals according to directions, calculate dosages
carefully and observe appropriate withholding periods
1.4.3 Only use veterinary medicines as prescribed by
veterinarians
1.4.4 Store chemicals and veterinary medicines securely and
dispose of them responsibly
Prevent occurrence of
chemical residues in milk
2. MILKING HYGIENE
Milk should be harvested and stored under hygienic conditions. Equipment used to harvest
and store milk should be suitable and well maintained.
Good dairy
farming practice
2.1.2 Ensure appropriate udder preparation for milking Use suitable, well maintained and
clean equipment for milking and
2.1.3 Milk animals regularly using consistent milking
milk storage
techniques
2.1.4 Segregate milk harvested from sick or treated
animals for appropriate disposal
* A contaminant is defined as any biological or chemical agent, foreign matter, or other substance, not intentionally added
to food, that may compromise food safety or suitability.
Good dairy
farming practice
4. ANIMAL WELFARE7
Animals should be kept according to the following five freedoms8:
Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from pain, injury and disease
Freedom from fear
Freedom to engage in relatively normal patterns of animal behaviour
Good dairy
farming practice
Freedom of movement
Preserve gregarious
behaviour and other
behaviours, such as preferred
sleeping position
For more details on Animal Welfare, please refer to the IDF Guide to Good Welfare in Dairy Production 2008
www.fil-idf.org
8 Adapted from the Five Freedoms, Farm Animal Welfare Council, U.K. www.fawc.org.uk
5. ENVIRONMENT
Milk production should be managed in balance with the local environment surrounding
the farm.
Good dairy
farming practice
5.1 Implement an
environmentally
sustainable
farming system
5.2 Have an
5.2.1 Implement practices to reduce, reuse or recycle
appropriate waste
farm waste as appropriate
management
5.2.2 Manage the storage and disposal of wastes to
system.
minimize environmental impacts
* Biodiversity or biological diversity relates to the number of different life forms in an ecosystem. In the farm context it
relates to the variation in life (animal, plant and other life forms) inhabiting the farm.
10
6. SOCIO-ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT
Dairy farming provides economic and social benefits to farmers and their wider communities. Good dairy farming practice can also help to manage the social and economic risks
to the enterprise.
Good dairy
farming practice
6.1 Implement
effective and
responsible
management of
human resources
Improve profitability
Limit risks to financial viability of
enterprise
Fact sheets
11
Fact sheets
1. ANIMAL HEALTH
This Fact Sheet describes good dairy farming practice to ensure animals that produce milk
are healthy and there is an effective health care programme in place. However, not all of
the practices are applicable in all circumstances and may be superseded by national, international or market demands.
The suggested good dairy farming practices for animal health are set out under the
following headings:
Establish the herd with resistance to disease.
Prevent entry of disease onto the farm.
Have an effective herd health management programme in place.
Use all chemicals and veterinary medicines as directed.
Animal
Health
Defining
characteristics
Milking
Hygiene
Nutrition
(Feed &
Water)
Animal
Welfare
Environment
Socioeconomic
management
12
1.1.2 Determine herd size and stocking rate based on management skills, local
conditions and the availability of land, infrastructure, feed, and other inputs
Larger herds and higher stocking rates generally require a higher level of organisation,
infrastructure and skill to manage. The risks are magnified in these specialised dairy farming
systems. Disease burdens can be higher and individual animals requiring intervention can
be more difficult to identify and treat. Good planning and management skills are required
to manage risks that have serious consequences.
In developing countries overstocking, droughts and fires should be taken into account
when determining stocking rates. Drastic seasonal changes (eg Monsoons, deep snow,
subzero temperatures, high humidity or heat) may require different farming systems (eg
housed or pastures) depending on the time of year. Fodder supplies must be carefully
planned for all contingencies as dairy animals require a constant source of good quality
feed and water at all times.
1.1.3 Vaccinate all animals as recommended or required by local animal health
authorities
Vaccination is a useful tool to limit the impact of disease by increasing the immunity of the
animal population to specific pathogens. Animal health authorities can provide dairy farmers with information about the specific vaccines which are recommended for their area. In
some dairying regions, dairy farmers are required by law to vaccinate their stock against
serious contagious diseases.
Fact sheets
Introduced animals should be inspected on arrival and should be free of external parasites such as ticks. Sick animals should be rejected. It is good practice to consider treating
all introduced animals for internal parasites on arrival.
Keep records of all animal movements to and from the farm.
1.2.2 Ensure animal transport on and off the farm does not introduce disease
Potential buyers of live animals should always ask and be told if the animals are sick or
diseased. Preferably, no sick or infirm animals should be transported alive. A suitably trained
operative or a veterinarian should carry out any euthanizing required on-farm.
The disposal of diseased and dead animals should be done in a way that minimizes the
risk of disease spread and in line with the guidelines in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Code
and/or local regulations. For example, transport vehicles should not move dead or diseased
animals from one farm to another farm, without taking appropriate actions to minimize
the risk of spreading disease.
1.2.3 Monitor risks from adjoining land and neighbours and have secure
boundaries
Be aware of local (endemic) diseases and/or exotic diseases which have the potential to
affect the health of the herd or flock, especially from neighbouring farms. Contain animals
appropriately to ensure there is no risk of disease spread between farms and within farms.
1.2.4 Where possible, limit access of people and wildlife to the farm
People (and vehicles) visiting a number of farms may spread disease between the farms.
Keep tanker/milk pick up access and public tracks clear of faecal contamination. Restrict
access to an as needs basis and put in place appropriate processes to minimize disease
spread. Visitors to the farm should wear clean protective clothing and clean, disinfected
footwear if entering areas that pose a high risk of transferring disease onto or from the
farm. Records of all visitors should be kept as appropriate. Disease can be spread both from
and to humans and wildlife. Avoid visitor contact with animals unless necessary.
1.2.5 Have a vermin control programme in place
Ensure that appropriate vermin controls are in place in all areas where vermin could breed,
introduce disease and/or affect milk safety and quality. Vermin breeding sites should be
eliminated, especially if those sites also harbour disease pathogens, such as manure heaps,
livestock disposal sites etc. Vermin control measures may also be required in the milking
shed, feed and water storages and animal housing areas. Vermin species vary geographically but can include indigenous animals, rodents, birds and insects.
1.2.6 Only use clean equipment from a known source
Ensure all agricultural and veterinary equipment introduced on to the farm is clean and
steps have been taken to prevent the introduction of disease. This may include asking questions about the history of where the equipment comes from and how it has been used.
Take extra care with shared or borrowed equipment.
13
14
Fact sheets
10
The withholding period (or withdrawal period) is the minimum period which must elapse between last
administration or application of a chemical product and the first grazing, slaughter for meat and/or harvesting
of milk for human consumption
15
16
Be aware of chemicals that can leave residues in milk. These may include detergents,
teat disinfectants, dairy sanitisers, anti-parasitics, antibiotics, herbicides, pesticides and
fungicides.
Dairy farmers should:
use chemicals only for the purpose for which they are approved. For example lactating animals should never be treated with veterinary products that are not recommended for treatment of animals producing milk supplied for processing or otherwise
used for human consumption;
read the label as it will contain all the information about the legal and safe use of
the chemical;
follow the advice given on the label and any chemical data sheet or risk assessment;
and
observe the specified withholding periods.
1.4.3 Only use veterinary medicines11 as prescribed by veterinarians
Veterinary medicines pose risks to humans, animals and food safety and are subject to
special controls on their supply and use.
Use only approved veterinary medicines, at the recommended dose according to the
label directions, or as prescribed or advised by a veterinarian. Relevant withholding periods
must be observed.
All veterinary medicines and chemicals intended for treatment of food-producing animals should have a withholding period stated on the label. If label directions are not strictly
followed, the stated withholding period will not be valid. If no withholding time is stated
or no labelling instructions exist, the product should not be used.
The use of veterinary medicines contrary to the label recommendations is termed offlabel use and poses additional risks. Off-label use of veterinary medicines must only occur
under strict veterinary supervision and in compliance with national/regional regulations.
1.4.4 Store chemicals and veterinary medicines securely and dispose of them
responsibly
Store chemicals and veterinary medicines securely to ensure they are not used inappropriately or do not unintentionally contaminate milk and feed. Check and observe product
expiry dates. Chemicals and their containers should also be disposed of in a way that will
not cause contamination to animals or the farm environment.
11
Veterinary medicines are chemical and biological products sold for the treatment of animals where evidence of
proven efficacy and safety have been examined by independent review bodies to ensure that the products are
suitable for their purpose. These medicines may require a prescription from a veterinarian to allow purchase and
to confirm that their use is appropriate.
Fact sheets
17
2. MILKING HYGIENE
Milking is the defining activity of dairy farming. Consumers demand high standards of milk
quality, so milking management aims to minimize microbial, chemical and physical contamination. Milking management covers all aspects of the process of obtaining milk from
animals quickly and effectively, while assuring the health of the animals and the quality of
the milk.
Consistency in the day-to-day implementation of milking procedures is an important
part of good dairy farming practice for milking.
This Fact Sheet describes practices that ensure milk is harvested and stored under
hygienic conditions, and that the equipment used to harvest and store milk is well maintained. The suggested good dairy farming practices for milking hygiene are set out under
the following headings:
Ensure milking routines do not injure the animals or introduce contaminants12 into
milk.
Ensure milking is carried out under hygienic conditions.
Ensure milk is handled properly after milking.
Animal
Health
Defining
characteristics
Milking
Hygiene
Nutrition
(Feed &
Water)
Animal
Welfare
Environment
Socioeconomic
management
A contaminant is defined as any biological or chemical agent, foreign matter, or other substance, not
intentionally added to food, that may compromise food safety or suitability.
18
milked. This may be a regulatory or contractual requirement for dairy animals in some
countries.
2.1.3 Milk animals regularly using consistent milking techniques
Institute regular milking times and routines. Ensure good milking technique is consistently
applied. Incorrect or variable milking techniques can result in a higher mastitis risk and
injury to the animal.
The correct technique for machine milking is to:
prepare animals properly before milking;
attach the cups to clean, dry teats;
avoid unnecessary air ingress at cup attachment;
avoid overmilking;
remove cups gently; and
when necessary, apply teat disinfectant to each teat after milking according to
national recommendations and regulations.
The correct technique for hand-milking is to:
restrain the animal to be milked using a method that does not cause pain or injury;
ensure the milkers hands are clean and dry;
prepare the teats for milking, ensuring they are clean and dry;
only use appropriate teat lubricants according to national recommendations and
regulations;
handle the teats gently, ideally using the fist-grip method, avoiding any discomfort,
pain or injury to the animal;
use buckets that are non-corrosive, easy to clean and disinfect, and do not taint the milk;
avoid contaminating the collected milk with foreign material such as dust, dirt, soil,
urine, manure (faeces) and protect it from flies; and
when necessary, apply teat disinfectant to each teat after milking according to
national recommendations and regulations.
2.1.4 Segregate milk harvested from sick or treated animals for appropriate
disposal
Animals whose milk is unfit for human consumption should be milked last or with a separate bucket or system. Store or discard abnormal milk in a manner appropriate to the risk
posed to people, animals and the environment.
2.1.5 Ensure milking equipment is correctly installed and maintained
Manufacturers and local, regional or national recommendations should be followed for
construction, installation, performance and maintenance of the equipment used for milking. Inspect and replace perishable components if evidence of wear is found. Materials used
for milking equipment that come into contact with milk and with cleaning and disinfecting
fluids should be made from adequately resistant materials and should not impart a taint
to milk.
Follow the manufacturers instructions when using cleaning and disinfecting agents on
milking equipment, including any requirements to rinse following application. Only use
Fact sheets
cleaning and disinfecting agents approved for use by the relevant authority. These chemicals should be used in a way that ensures they do not have an adverse effect on the milk
or milking equipment. Store all chemicals, other than those in routine use, in a lockable
area away from the milk storage area.
2.1.6 Ensure a sufficient supply of clean water
A sufficient supply of clean water should be available for milking operations, for cleaning
the equipment that comes into contact with milk and for cleaning the milking area.
The quality of the water should be suitable for its intended use. Standards regarding the
quality of water used in milk production are mandated in many countries, including the use
of potable water in cleaning surfaces that come into contact with milk.
19
20
Fact sheets
21
Animal
Health
Defining
characteristics
Milking
Hygiene
Nutrition
(Feed &
Water)
Animal
Welfare
Environment
Socioeconomic
management
Animals need to be provided with feed and water of suitable quantity and quality
22
3.2 Ensure animal feed and water are of suitable quantity and quality
3.2.1 Ensure the nutritional needs of animals are met
Dairy animals should be provided with sufficient feed and water daily, according to their
physiological needs. The quality and quantity of the feed, including appropriate fibre,
should reflect the animals age, body weight, stage of lactation, production level, growth,
pregnancy, activity and climate.
Sufficient space and time needs to be given for each animal to get access to feed and
water. Good feeding management will reduce competitive pressure and diminish aggressive behaviours between individual animals.
3.2.2 Ensure the feed fed to dairy animals is fit for purpose and will not
negatively impact the quality or safety of their milk or meat
Dairy farmers should ensure that the feed fed to dairy livestock does not contain chemical
residues, toxins or other contaminants that pose a risk to animal health or the safety or
quality of milk or meat derived from these animals. This can be achieved by carefully following the label directions of agricultural chemicals used on pastures and crops being grown
for stock feed on the farm. Assurance about previous chemical treatments and the feeds
suitability as a stock feed should be sought from off-farm suppliers.
Fence off or restrict access to areas where contaminated feed or toxic plants may be
consumed by dairy animals. Inspect feed for signs of contamination or spoilage prior to
feeding.
3.2.3 Ensure suitable quality water is provided and the supply is regularly
checked and maintained
Fence stock water supplies to protect them from unintentional contamination. Water supplies should be of suitable quality and free of excrement.
Many contaminants can enter water supplies and threaten the health or safety of people, livestock and the milking equipment rinsed with the contaminated water. The most
common contaminants include pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins, as well as toxic
chemicals such as pesticides, petroleum, solvents and nitrates.
Contact the relevant authorities and have the water tested if there are any concerns
about the suitability of the water for animals to drink.
3.2.4 Use different equipment for handling chemicals and feed stuffs
Never mix agricultural chemicals and/or veterinary chemicals in equipment or facilities used
to handle feed or water for dairy livestock. Residues can remain on equipment or crosscontamination can occur via spills, air dispersal, back-siphoning effects etc.
3.2.5 Ensure chemicals are used appropriately on pastures and forage crops and
observe withholding periods
Maintain stringent paddock records of all chemical applications to crops and pastures,
and ensure grazing withholding periods are closely observed. Always follow the label for
application rates and withholding times before allowing animals access to a treated field
for grazing or forage harvesting. Always follow regulated processes for spray technologies.
Fact sheets
Check pasture for signs of pesticide drift. Look for signs of herbicide damage on forage
plants. If signs are present, investigate further before allowing animals to graze.
Be aware of the potential for spray drift when applying agricultural chemicals to pastures and crops. Take adequate precautions when allowing stock to drink the water after
spray applications.
Find out about the past and present use of chemicals on your farm and neighbouring
properties as spray drift may be a potential source of residues. When buying fodder or land,
always obtain information on the paddocks previous history of agricultural chemical use
and/or conduct a soil or plant test if residues are suspected.
3.2.6 Only use approved chemicals for treatment of animal feeds or components
of animal feeds and observe withholding periods
Only chemicals approved for use in dairy operations should be used.
Chemicals should be managed in a manner that avoids their accidental introduction into
the feed and water and, as a result, into milk.
Use chemicals in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. Check labels of
all chemicals that are to be used around, on or in feeds or pastures for compatibility with
food-producing animals, withholding requirements for milk, and proper application rates
and concentration of products.
Withholding periods may also apply to pastures, forage crops and stored grains if they
have been treated with an agricultural chemical. Different withholding periods may apply
if the crop is also intended for human consumption.
23
24
Fact sheets
25
4. ANIMAL WELFARE13
In essence, animal welfare is the application of sensible and sensitive animal husbandry
practices to the livestock on the farm. Animal welfare is primarily concerned with the wellbeing of the animal.
In general, consumers perceive high animal welfare standards as an indicator that food
is safe, healthy and of high quality. Animal welfare standards have been incorporated into
most on-farm food quality and food safety schemes.
Many animal welfare codes list five freedoms14 that should underpin best farm practice
in relation to animal welfare. These five freedoms provide a comprehensive overall concept
of animal welfare.
This Fact Sheet describes good dairy farming practices for animal welfare. They are set
out to reflect the five freedoms:
Ensure animals are free from thirst, hunger and malnutrition.
Ensure animals are free from discomfort.
Ensure animals are free from pain, injury and disease.
Ensure animals are free from fear.
Ensure animals can engage in relatively normal patterns of animal behaviour.
Animal
Health
Defining
characteristics
Milking
Hygiene
Nutrition
(Feed &
Water)
Animal
Welfare
Environment
Socioeconomic
management
4.1. Ensure animals are free from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
4.1.1 Provide sufficient feed and water for all animals every day
Dairy livestock should be given sufficient feed, based on their physiological needs. Their
requirements will vary according to their age, body weight, stage of lactation, production
level, growth, pregnancy, activity and environment. Provide enough space around feeding
and watering points to reduce bullying and ensure all livestock have sufficient access.
13
For more details on Animal Welfare, please refer to the IDF Guide to Good Welfare in Dairy Production 2008
www.fil-idf.org.
14 Adapted from the Five Freedoms, Farm Animal Welfare Council, U.K. www.fawc.org.uk
26
The quality (palatability and nutrient content) of the feed also needs to be considered,
based on the animals dietary requirements. Dietary supplements need to be considered if
the ration is unable to meet the animals nutrient requirements. Animals should be fed a
balanced diet and have unrestricted access to clean water.
4.1.2 Adjust stocking rates and/or supplementary feeding to ensure adequate
water, feed and fodder supply
Due consideration should be given to the number of animals, physiological needs and nutrient quality of feeds when determining stocking rates, and all animals should have access
to sufficient water each day.
4.1.3 Protect animals from toxic plants and other harmful substances
Protect animals from access to toxic plants and contaminated areas such as farm dumps.
Do not feed animals mouldy feeds.
Store chemicals securely to avoid contamination of pastures, and observe withholding
periods for pasture and forage treatments.
4.1.4 Provide water supplies of good quality that are regularly checked and
maintained
Animals should have free access to a clean fresh water supply. Regularly clean water
troughs or drinkers and inspect them to ensure they are fully functional. The water supply
should be adequate to meet peak requirements. Drinkers should fill sufficiently quickly to
avoid any animals in a group remaining thirsty. All reasonable steps should be taken to
minimize the risks of the water supply freezing or overheating, as appropriate.
Runoff from effluent and chemical treatments of pasture and forage crops should not
enter stock water supplies.
Fact sheets
4.2.3 Protect animals from adverse weather conditions and the consequences
thereof
As far as practicable, protect animals from adverse weather conditions and the consequences thereof. This includes stress factors such as weather extremes, forage shortages,
unseasonal change and others causing cold or heat stress. Consider shade or alternative
means of cooling such as misters and sprays. In cold conditions shelter, such as windbreaks
and housing, and additional feed should be provided. Permanent shelters with lightening
arresters may be warranted in some areas. Have plans to protect dairy animals against
emergencies (for example back-up power supplies) natural disasters (for example fire,
drought, snow, flood); include provision of high ground in case of flood, provide adequate
firebreaks and have evacuation provisions.
4.2.4 Provide housed animals with adequate ventilation
All animal housing should be adequately ventilated allowing sufficient supply of fresh air
to remove humidity, allow heat dissipation and prevent build-up of gases such as carbon
dioxide, ammonia or slurry gases.
4.2.5 Provide suitable flooring and safe footing in housing and animal traffic areas
Floors should be constructed to minimize slipping and bruising due to slippery or uneven
floors. Excessively rough concrete or surfaces with sharp protrusions and stones can cause
excessive wear or penetrations to the sole of the hoof, resulting in lameness. Unsuitable
floors may inhibit mounting behaviours and lead to injuries. Protective floor coverings (eg
rubber matting or other non-slip surfaces) can be used on walkways to reduce hoof abrasions that lead to secondary hoof infections.
4.2.6 Protect animals from injury and distress during loading and unloading and
provide appropriate condition for transport
Transport can pose risks to the welfare of dairy animals. Ensure the loading and unloading
facilities are adequate and that water is available in lairage if appropriate. Ensure the vehicle
is suitably constructed to safely contain the animals, has good footing and adequate space
allowances. Thoroughly plan longer journeys to ensure statutory welfare (feed, watering
and resting) requirements are met.
4.3 Ensure animals are free from pain, injury and disease
4.3.1 Have an effective herd health management programme in place and inspect
animals regularly
Animals should be regularly checked to detect injury and/or disease. Treatment and preventative herd health management programmes should be in place.
4.3.2 Do not use procedures and processes that cause unnecessary pain
People carrying out veterinary related tasks should be able to demonstrate competency,
especially for procedures that could cause suffering for example disbudding/dehorning,
castration, etc. Adhere to national regulations with respect to these and other practices
(such as hot branding, tail docking, teat amputations, etc). Good hygiene is essential for
surgical-type procedures. Consider alternative animal husbandry practices if appropriate.
27
28
Fact sheets
29
30
5. ENVIRONMENT
Increasingly, consumers are concerned that the production of food is sustainable and is
undertaken in harmony with the environment. To meet these concerns it is important that
dairy farmers produce milk in a way that meets the wider communitys expectations, by
using natural resources efficiently and minimizing any adverse impact on the environment.
Every dairy farmer can play a role in protecting their industry and the future of their
enterprise by adopting management practices that enhance the environmental sustainability of their farming system.
The suggested good dairy farming practices for the environment are set out under the
following headings:
Implement an environmentally sustainable farming system.
Have an appropriate waste management system.
Ensure dairy farming practices do not have an adverse impact on the local environment.
Animal
Health
Defining
characteristics
Milking
Hygiene
Nutrition
(Feed &
Water)
Animal
Welfare
Environment
Socioeconomic
management
Fact sheets
reduce methane and nitrous oxide gas emissions respectively, relative to the quantity of
milk produced. Ensuring the nutrient requirements of both the plants and animals are met
appropriately will help reduce/manage any potential nutrient losses.
5.1.3 Manage livestock to minimise adverse environmental impacts
Implement grazing and housing strategies that minimise environmental impacts. Fence off
waterways and other sensitive areas from livestock.
5.1.4 Select and use energy resources appropriately
Dairy farmers should examine their farms energy consumption and consider options to
reduce it. Useful energy sources can be harnessed from dairy waste streams, such as effluent and waste heat from the milk cooling system or machinery. In some circumstances,
non-renewable sources of energy such as electricity and fossil fuels, can be supplemented
by renewable sources such as solar, biofuels, geothermal and wind derived energy etc.
5.1.5 Maintain and/or encourage biodiversity15 on the farm
Although most dairy farming is undertaken in highly modified environments, there are still
opportunities to encourage biodiversity. Fence off sensitive areas such as water courses to
exclude livestock. Set non-productive land aside as habitat for native plants and animals.
Preserve remnants of the natural ecosystem by linking non-productive areas at the local
level.
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Biodiversity or biological diversity relates to the range of different life forms in an ecosystem. In the farm
context it relates to the variation in life (animal, plant and other life forms) inhabiting the farm.
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Develop a simple waste management plan to identify when, where and at what rate to
spread manures, slurry and other organic wastes to minimize the risk of causing pollution.
Waste management plans should give due consideration to:
compliance with local regulations or contractual obligations;
avoiding possible pollution of watercourses, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, wells, boreholes,
underground water from applying wastes to shallow soils and/or fissured rock;
avoiding potential pollution of habitat areas such as woodlands, protected or recognized flora or fauna zones;
ensuring that adequate buffer zones (non-spread areas) are maintained near vulnerable or sensitive areas such as water sources, habitat areas and the like;
timing and level of application on sloped ground, heavy or impermeable soils and
areas subject to flooding;
optimum application levels on areas that already have a high soil fertility;
current or impending weather and soil conditions at the time of application, such as
frost, frozen ground, heavy rainfall and/or waterlogged soils; and
national and regional environmental controls.
All organic manure wastes including slurries should be spread or incorporated into
soil when there is minimal risk to the environment.
5.3 Ensure dairy farming practices do not have an adverse impact on the
local environment
5.3.1 Contain dairy runoff on-farm
Dairy farmers should adopt systems that avoid the potential for the contamination of the
local environment.
Storage facilities for oil, silage liquor, soiled water and other polluting substances must
be located in a safe place and precautions must be taken to ensure that accidents do not
result in the pollution of local water supplies.
Avoid disposing of agricultural or veterinary chemicals where there is potential for them
to enter the local environment.
5.3.2 Use agricultural and veterinary chemicals and fertilisers appropriately to
avoid contamination of the local environment
Protect the environment by only using approved agricultural and veterinary chemicals and
medicines according to the directions on the label. Ensure the safe and secure storage of
farm chemicals, preferably away from the milk storage areas. Ensure the safe disposal of
expired and defective chemicals and chemical containers.
Consider biological and other non-chemical approaches to controlling farm pests, such
as eliminating pest breeding sites. Apply integrated pest management practices where
appropriate.
Apply fertilisers in a manner that minimises the risks of off-site nutrient impacts. Avoid
using fertilisers that contain toxins, heavy metals or other contaminants. Ensure the safe
disposal or reuse of empty fertiliser bags.
Fact sheets
5.3.3 Ensure the overall appearance of the dairying operation is appropriate for a
facility in which high-quality food is harvested
To limit the potentially adverse impact of dairying on the landscape and to provide a positive image of dairy production, dairy farmers should ensure that access roads to their farms
and the farm surroundings are clean, sheds are correctly maintained and that access roads
used by dairy animals are free of effluent. Care should also be taken to ensure that the
dairy operation does not impact neighbours or the local amenity by controlling dust, smells,
lights, noise, flies or other nuisances.
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6. SOCIO-ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT
Being socially responsible and economically sustainable are integral to good dairy farming practice as they address two key risks to the farm enterprise.
Managing and looking after the farms human resources is critical to the sustainability
of the enterprise. In many parts of the world this will primarily apply to the farmer and
others living on the dairy farm. However, dairy farmers must also consider the role their
enterprise has in the wider community; as an employer, consumer of natural resources and
its potential impact on neighbours.
Similarly, dairy farms are businesses producing a product, in this case milk, meat and
livestock. Like all businesses, dairy farm businesses must be financially viable to have a long
term future.
The suggested good dairy farming practices for the socio-economic management of
dairy farms are:
Implement effective and responsible management of human resources.
Ensure farm tasks are carried out safely and competently.
Manage the enterprise to ensure its financial viability.
Animal
Health
Defining
characteristics
Milking
Hygiene
Nutrition
(Feed &
Water)
Animal
Welfare
Environment
Socioeconomic
management
Fact sheets
6.1.3 Manage human resources effectively ensuring that their working conditions
comply with applicable laws and international conventions
Dairy farmers and staff should ensure that they are able to cope with the physical and
mental demands required by dairy farming.
Dairy farmers need to have realistic expectations of their staff. Forward planning through
rosters and open communications play an important part in the productivity and safety of
the workforce. Working hours must be sustainable and not exceed legislated limits.
6.1.4 Ensure the farm working environment complies with relevant occupation
health and safety requirements
Farm equipment and infrastructure should not be a risk to the health and safety of farm
staff and visitors. Good design and maintenance will remove many risks. Facilities must be
provided to safely handle large dairy animals. Personal protective equipment, toilets and
washing facilities should be provided where required. Consider vaccination for staff and/
or animals to prevent zoonoses. Routine health assessments eg vision and hearing checks,
may be useful.
6.2 Ensure farm tasks are carried out safely and competently
6.2.1 Have appropriate procedures and equipment in place for undertaking dairy
farming tasks
It is important to ensure tasks undertaken on the farm are done safely, correctly and consistently by all farm staff. It is the dairy farmers responsibility to ensure that farm staff are
aware of and understand the procedures specific to their enterprise. They also need to
clearly identify who is responsible for particular tasks.
It is good practice to have a written procedure, usually called a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which details how to carry out a task in a controlled and repeatable manner.
It should cover all requirements to carry out the task, including details of process, equipment and materials, and any relevant risk and safety issues. It may be necessary to carry
out a risk assessment on potentially hazardous tasks.
Clear procedures competently carried out minimise the risks to staff, animal health,
animal welfare, and milk quality and safety.
6.2.2 Induct and train/educate staff appropriately for their work
Farm staff need to be properly trained to work productively and safely. This includes being
formally introduced to the working environment and their specific role. New staff should
be supervised by a competent person until they are familiar with their tasks and understand
the farms specific management systems and potential risks.
Training opportunities for existing staff can also improve productivity and increase work
satisfaction. Training and educational opportunities can be used to monitor farm procedures and provide feedback for continual improvement.
6.2.3 Ensure staff carry out their tasks competently
Good managers have systems in place to ensure that tasks carried out by others on the
farm are being undertaken competently and in a timely manner. Good communications,
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Multil Multilingual
* Out of print
** In preparation
e E-publication
The FAO Animal Production and Health Guidelines are available through the authorized FAO
Sales Agents or directly from Sales and Marketing Group, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla,
00153 Rome, Italy.
This second edition of the Guide to Good Dairy Farming Practice has been
developed by an IDF/FAO Project Group of the IDF Standing Committee on Farm
Management. It has been written in a practical format for dairy farmers
engaged in the production of milk from any dairy species to support the
production and marketing of safe, quality-assured milk and dairy products. The
Guide focuses on the relationship between consumer safety and economic,
social and environmental management at the farm level. Dairy farmers
production systems worldwide need to be able to combine profitability with the
responsibility of protecting human health, animal health, animal welfare and
the environment. This Guide gives individual dairy farmers proactive guidance
on how these objectives can be achieved on their farm. The practices that are
suggested have been drawn from best practice guidelines and existing assurance
schemes around the world, and so individual practices will vary in their
applicability to various dairying regions. They are not intended to be legally
binding and readers are encouraged to select and implement those guidelines
that are of relevance to their situation.